Current Court Decisions

Child Custody Basics

When we meet a new divorce client, one of the first questions they usually ask is what to expect when it comes to child custody. Our Tulsa attorneys know that the divorce process can be emotional and worrisome. Our expert Tulsa lawyers explain what to expect in these types of cases:

Two types of custody

When a court decides custody for a child, they actually make two different decisions for two different types of custody. There is legal custody, and there is physical custody. The court can award each parent joint custody or sole custody for each type.

What is physical custody?

Physical custody is what parent physically has the child. That parent makes the day to day decisions about the child’s care. Even though the court might award primary physical custody to one of the parents, the other parent can still expect to receive parenting time in most cases. Usually, the court sets a schedule for the child based on what the court thinks is best for the child.

What is legal custody?

Legal custody is the right to make big decisions for the child. These decisions cover a broad range of topics ranging from medical care to education. If the court thinks that parents can work together to make these decisions, they award joint legal custody. Tulsa lawyers know that joint legal custody is not uncommon for children in Oklahoma. Your Tulsa attorney can help you navigate these complicated legal waters.